How to Get Rid of Chili Thrips

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How to Get Rid of Chili Thrips

Overview

According to Texas A&M University, chilli thrips are a major pest in tropical climates of southeast Asia. The bugs were recently introduced to the Caribbean, where they have no natural predators. Since 2005, this pest has migrated north into the warm climates of Texas and Florida, where it infests roses, vegetables and ornamental plants. Although the species resembles flower thrips, chilli thrips feed on all vegetation. Since the pests are hard to see, the first signs of chilli thrips is usually fruit or vegetation bronzing followed by dropping of leaves and buds.

Step 1

Prune all infested vegetation away from your healthy plants with sharpened garden shears to remove thrips and their eggs. To prune roses, cut the canes at a 45-degree angle approximately 1/4 inch above an outward-facing bud. Prune the cane completely down to the healthy part of the plant.

Step 2

Place infested vegetation in a plastic bag to contain thrips and their eggs. Promptly discard the bag in an appropriate waste receptacle.

Step 3

Mix commercial pesticide containing spinosyn, imidacloprid, novaluron, cyfluthrin or azadirachtin according to the directions on the packaging of the chemical and pour the pesticide into a spray bottle. Most chemical pesticides of this nature can be purchased from a commercial lawn or home improvement store.

Step 4

Prime the bottle's pump sprayer by working the lever on the pump. To work the lever on the pump, grasp the lever's handle and pull it upward to the limit of its range of motion. Then press the lever downward as far as it will go. Repeat this process until the pump is primed.

Step 5

Depress the trigger to release the chemical spray. Spray over all infected crops.

Step 6

Switch chemicals and re-spray your crops frequently to cut down on populations of chili thrips.

Who Can Help

Massey Services Inc. Website: Chilli Thrips

Keywords:
Chili thrips, rose pests, feeding damage

About this Author

After 10 years experience in writing, Tracy S. Morris has countless articles and two novels to her credit. Her work has appeared in national magazines and newspapers, including "Ferrets" and "CatFancy," as well as the "Lexington Herald Leader" and "The Tulsa World," and several websites.